Gallery: Common Threads World Festival

Common Threads founders Art Smith and his partner, artist Jesus Salguerio. "We're delighted with what the chefs are serving " it's a wide range of really great dishes," Mr. Smith said. "We're so grateful that they all came tonight to help."

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Gigi Pritzker Pucker, left, with daughter Abigail and attorney Terry Newman. Ms. Pucker is the producer of "Million Dollar Quartet." The cast of the rock "n" roll musical performed at the afterparty.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Alpana Singh, host of "Check, Please!" on WTTW-TV/Channel 11, with her husband, author Charles Blackstone. "The food is great, and the kids from the program are adorable," Ms. Singh said.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Susan and John Colletti flank Cynnie Ochoa. Mr. Colletti, a partner at Gibsons, said: "It's the best venue in the city for a party, and this charity does great work with Chicago's kids."

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Art dealer Freeman Braswell, from left, with Cayley LaRue and UBS's Patrick Sheahan. "There's not another party in the city that serves food like this," Mr. Sheahan said.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

The incredible Chili Pepper from The Baton. "I've been to every restaurant that's cooking here tonight, and they are the best in Chicago," she said.

Curtis Stone, the Take Home Chef, served tuna ceviche with Asian ingredients.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Event co-chair Candace Jordan with husband Chuck.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Christophe David of NoMi served delicious Moroccan lamb confit over creamy risotto. "I can't believe how many people have turned out'it's just amazing," he said. "Art has given us a great night, and he's helping a lot of kids."

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

RL's Rich Varnes with wife Cynthia.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

May Street Caf"??s Mario Santiago served roasted pork with garlic and citrus marinade. "We all love to give back to the children. It's great that they can learn about the food we provide. It gives us an opportunity to show these kids there's something more than fast food," he said.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Kevin Hickey of the Four Seasons served Wagyu meatball sliders with goat cheese fries, bittersweet chocolate malt and tiny s'mores.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Guest Bryn Grey sported a stanza of "Sunday Morning" by Wallace Stevens on her back but said her parents don't know yet that she has a tattoo. They will now!

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Kendal Duque of Sepia served Spanish mackerel with artichokes and morel mushrooms.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Takashi Yagihashi, from left, Derrik Watson and Catherine Miller. Mr. Yagihashi, of Takashi restaurant in Bucktown, said, "It's a kind of cool party and lots of fun. Every top chef is here."

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

A Kitchen-Aid stand mixer autographed by several chefs was on the silent auction.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Yvonne Kim, from left, Bill Kim, Cedric Harden and Will Bravo of Urban Belly; they served Korean rice cake and pork belly stew.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

The Food Network's Tyler Florence served roasted suckling pig stuffed with truffles and polenta at the afterparty at the James Hotel. "Common Threads is the greatest new charity in America. I wouldn't miss this party," he said.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Judd Malkin of JMB Realty with event co-chair Katherine Chez.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Food booths and crowds filled the Museum of Contemporary Art.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Lakesha Draine and WLS-TV/Channel 7's Jim Rose.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Graham Elliot Bowles, of Graham Elliot restaurant, served plantain with snapper ceviche and avocado mousse. "Anything that allows an audience to realize that food brings people together is important," he said.

PHOTO CREDIT: Erik Unger

Rachel Collins of Collins Caviar. "We absolutely love this party. Art Smith and I have worked together and served a lot of caviar over the years, so when he created Common Threads, I wanted to be involved."

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